Bellwether's Blog on life and money

Benefits of Having Multiple Checking Accounts

Managing finances is something everyone making money has to deal with; finding optimal ways to accomplish this mandatory task is an ever-learning experience. The standard banking strategy for most is to have one checking and one savings account, yet is this optimal? Let's explore this question by discussing 3 compelling benefits of having multiple checking accounts.

New vs. Used Car: Reasons to Buy

If you're in the market for your first or your next vehicle, deciding between new and used can be a tricky choice. There's something reassuring about a brand new vehicle that has never been driven by anyone else, with everything from upholstery to engine in its optimal condition. However, new vehicles can be pricey. Used vehicles are much more affordable, but you're also purchasing a vehicle that has been driven by somebody else—and possibly driven harshly, with future pricey repairs lying in wait.

Bellwether Now Great Rate Certified

Bellwether Community Credit Union has received a Datatrac Great Rate Award for 2018. Datatrac certified eight categories of our deposit and loan products, including certificates, auto loans, and mortgages. Datatrac Great Rate Awards certify that deposit and loan rates outperform the market average for comparable products.

Is Your Car Ready For The Snow?

It's finally time to start digging out your sweaters, boots, mittens, and extra blankets that you stasged away this Spring. The trees are changing color and pumpkin spice lattes are your beverage of choise these days. It truly is a beautiful time of the year. Enjoy the crisp air and seasonal treats, but be warned, the now is coming! It won't be too much longer before cold, wet, slippery snow takes over.

Think back to last year when the snow and ice started to build up on the roads. If you had a tough time getting around in your current car, do you think this winter will be any better? Probably not. In fact, from all indications it's going to be a brutal winter and there's going to be more snow and ice this year. Your car has gotten you where you need to go throughout the summer, but is it the best choice for winter driving?

Emergency Fund: Better Safe Than Sorry!

Halloween is a time for delighting in all that is spooky or scary. However, when it comes to financial emergencies, we're all likely to jump out of our skin with fear if we don't have a plan for how to pay up. Rather than putting on a mask, pretending that you would be fine if an unexpected expense arose, planning ahead is better for your wallet and for your peace of mind. Saving for an emergency fund over time is a great way to do this!